fairly common in general, on anxietyzone. I don't know how many on the hypochondria forum in particular. There are still a sizeable percentage of people though that are treating their anxiety without meds. Either from exercise, therapy, herbals or supplements, spiritual means, or some combination thereof. and I believe most who are using meds aren't using them alone but in conjunction with some of the previously mentioned treatments.

Exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy in particular can be very effective treatments. I'm also very pro-fish oil supplements. they are good anyway for mental functioning, regardless of whether or not someone has a mental illness. They're also good for cardiovascular health so there is a nice bonus

I can only speak for myself, of course. Some people experience heightened anxiety during the first 2 or so weeks on them, then it declines. It didn't do this for me. I had some headache, dizziness type symptoms for the first couple weeks, then it started to work on my anxiety. Meds were a huge help to me, and like AncientMelody said, I used them in combination with CBT.